Tagged: Cal Ripken

English: Dustin Pedroia bats against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today the Boston Red Sox announced an 8 year $110 million contract that runs from 2014 to 2021. The Red Sox said in a press release today:

The Boston Red Sox today signed All-Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia to an eight-year contract beginning in 2014 and continuing through the 2021 season. Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington made the announcement.

Known for his gritty style and dirty uniform, Pedroia, 29, joins Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Thurman Munson, Cal Ripken, Jr., and Albert Pujols as the only players ever to have won a World Series and Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and Rawlings Gold Glove awards. He is the Red Sox’ most accomplished second baseman since Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr.

This shows commitment from both sides, the Sox taking a leap of faith giving Pedroia a contract that runs through his late 30s, Pedroia not forcing the Sox to break the bank like many other franchise players would. Pedroia is the perfect guy to give this kind of deal to. He’s a grind it out player who will give 100% effort day in and day out. His game isn’t based on power or speed, which deteriorate over time. As long as he is able to stay healthy he should be able to maintain a high level of play throughout the life of the contract. Obviously when he’s 38 he won’t be playing like he is now, but there’s a good chance he’ll still be a top second baseman in the league. This deal benefits both sides, and appears to be a near perfect deal for all parties involved.